NASA awards $12M contract for orbital debris inspection mission, highlighting R&D in space technology
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $12,000,000 ($12.0M)
Contractor: Starfish Space Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2024-08-16
End Date: 2027-06-15
Contract Duration: 1,033 days
Daily Burn Rate: $11.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 500
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: FY24 SBIR PHASE III - SSPICY - STARFISH SPACE ORBITAL DEBRIS INSPECTION MISSION
Place of Performance
Location: TUKWILA, KING County, WASHINGTON, 98188
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $12.0 million to STARFISH SPACE INC. for work described as: FY24 SBIR PHASE III - SSPICY - STARFISH SPACE ORBITAL DEBRIS INSPECTION MISSION Key points: 1. Contract focuses on advanced research and development for critical space infrastructure. 2. Competition was open, suggesting a market with multiple capable providers. 3. Fixed-price contract structure aims to control costs and define scope. 4. Mission duration extends over two years, indicating a significant undertaking. 5. Small business participation is not explicitly detailed but is a factor to monitor. 6. The award falls within the research and development sector for physical sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The $12 million award for a Phase III SBIR contract appears reasonable for a specialized R&D mission in space technology. Benchmarking against similar advanced research contracts is challenging due to the unique nature of space missions. However, the firm fixed-price structure suggests a defined scope and cost control, which is positive for value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources,' indicating that while the initial phase might have had exclusions, the final award was open to all eligible bidders. This suggests a competitive environment where multiple firms could propose solutions, likely driving a more favorable price and innovative approach.
Taxpayer Impact: This level of competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of obtaining the best value and encourages innovation among contractors, potentially leading to more cost-effective solutions for future space endeavors.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiary is NASA, which will gain critical data and capabilities for monitoring and inspecting orbital debris. This mission directly supports the development of technologies essential for space situational awareness and the long-term sustainability of the space environment. The geographic impact is global, as orbital debris affects all space-faring nations. Workforce implications include specialized roles in aerospace engineering, research, and mission operations.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep in advanced R&D projects if not tightly managed.
- Reliance on a single contractor for specialized technology development could pose future risks if capabilities are not transferable.
Positive Signals
- Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
- SBIR Phase III awards indicate successful prior research and development, suggesting a mature technology.
- Open competition implies a healthy market for this specialized service.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The market for space technology, including orbital debris monitoring, is a rapidly growing segment driven by increasing satellite constellations and the need for space situational awareness. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish precisely due to the niche nature of SBIR Phase III awards, but overall R&D spending in aerospace is substantial.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). While the prime contractor is Starfish Space Inc., further analysis would be needed to determine if they are a small business and if subcontracting opportunities exist for other small businesses within the ecosystem. The SBIR program itself is designed to foster small business innovation, so understanding the subcontracting plan is key.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will likely be managed by NASA's contracting officers and program managers, ensuring adherence to the contract terms and milestones. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- SBIR Program
- Space Situational Awareness
- Orbital Debris Mitigation
- Satellite Servicing Technologies
Risk Flags
- Technology Readiness Level (TRL) uncertainty for novel space systems.
- Long lead times for space hardware development and testing.
- Potential for orbital debris environment changes impacting mission objectives.
Tags
research-and-development, nasa, space-technology, orbital-debris, sbir-phase-iii, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, definitive-contract, washington-dc, fy24
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $12.0 million to STARFISH SPACE INC.. FY24 SBIR PHASE III - SSPICY - STARFISH SPACE ORBITAL DEBRIS INSPECTION MISSION
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is STARFISH SPACE INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $12.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-08-16. End: 2027-06-15.
What is the track record of Starfish Space Inc. in delivering complex R&D projects, particularly those related to space debris?
Starfish Space Inc. is a relatively new company focused on in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing, with a specific emphasis on orbital debris removal and servicing. Their SBIR Phase III award suggests they have successfully completed earlier phases of research and development, demonstrating a progression of their technology. While specific project delivery history for large-scale missions might be limited compared to established aerospace giants, their focus on this niche area indicates specialized expertise. Further investigation into their prior SBIR awards, any government performance evaluations, and their technical publications would provide a more comprehensive view of their track record in delivering complex R&D outcomes.
How does the $12 million contract value compare to similar R&D efforts in orbital debris inspection or mitigation?
The $12 million contract value for this SBIR Phase III award is significant for a specialized R&D mission. SBIR Phase III contracts are intended to commercialize technologies developed in earlier phases, and their funding can vary widely based on the complexity and market potential. While direct comparisons are challenging due to the unique nature of space R&D and the specific objectives of orbital debris inspection, this amount suggests a substantial investment in developing and demonstrating advanced capabilities. For context, other government R&D contracts in space technology can range from a few million to tens or hundreds of millions, depending on the scope, duration, and technological maturity. This award appears to be in the mid-range for a focused, multi-year R&D effort aimed at a critical space capability.
What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?
The primary risks associated with this contract likely include technical challenges inherent in developing novel inspection technologies for the harsh space environment, potential delays in achieving mission milestones, and the possibility of cost overruns if the scope expands beyond initial projections, despite the fixed-price nature. Mitigation strategies typically involve rigorous project management, phased milestones with clear deliverables, regular technical reviews, and contingency planning. NASA's oversight, coupled with Starfish Space's expertise in SBIR-funded development, should help manage these risks. The firm fixed-price structure itself acts as a cost mitigation tool by placing the financial risk of cost overruns on the contractor, provided the scope remains defined.
How effective is the SBIR program in fostering innovation for critical national security or scientific objectives like orbital debris inspection?
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program has been highly effective in fostering innovation for critical national objectives, including space-related endeavors like orbital debris inspection. By providing early-stage funding and a pathway to Phase III commercialization, SBIR enables small businesses to develop cutting-edge technologies that might otherwise be too risky for traditional venture capital or large government contracts. Many advanced technologies used in defense, aerospace, and scientific research have roots in SBIR funding. For orbital debris inspection, SBIR allows specialized companies like Starfish Space to mature their unique solutions, which can then be adopted by agencies like NASA, fulfilling specific scientific and operational needs that might not be met by larger, less agile firms.
What are the historical spending patterns for NASA's R&D contracts in the domain of space situational awareness and debris management?
NASA's historical spending on R&D for space situational awareness (SSA) and debris management has been consistent, reflecting the growing importance of these areas. While specific figures fluctuate annually based on program priorities and budget allocations, the agency consistently invests in technologies and missions aimed at tracking, characterizing, and mitigating space debris. This includes funding for sensor development, data analysis algorithms, and demonstration missions. Awards like this SBIR Phase III contract represent a portion of that broader investment, often focusing on maturing specific technological solutions. Over the past decade, there has been a noticeable increase in focus and funding across government agencies, including NASA and the Department of Defense, towards enhancing SSA capabilities due to the increasing congestion in Earth's orbit.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 500
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 665 ANDOVER PARK W, TUKWILA, WA, 98188
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $14,999,999
Exercised Options: $12,000,000
Current Obligation: $12,000,000
Actual Outlays: $9,000,000
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-08-16
Current End Date: 2027-06-15
Potential End Date: 2027-06-15 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-09
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